Support

A cookie is a piece of data stored by your browser or device that helps websites like this one recognize return visitors. We use cookies to give you the best experience on BNA.com. Some cookies are also necessary for the technical operation of our website. If you continue browsing, you agree to this site’s use of cookies.

My Hobby Lobby Day at SCOTUS: Inside & Out

Gloomy. Cold. And wind that took your breath away.

But not even a springtime snowfall kept a crowd from gathering
before the U.S. Supreme Court in anticipation of arguments in
Sebelius v. Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc. and
Conestoga Wood Specialties Corp. v. Sebelius.

Two hours before the arguments were set to begin, the line for a
3-5 minute glimpse inside the courtroom wrapped around the
block.

And as snow piled on these spectators outside, amicus briefs
piled up inside.

One poor clerk came into the courtroom before arguments, loaded
with two tall stacks of green amicus briefs. With a loud "thud,"
the briefs landed in front of the seat that would later be occupied
by Justice Clarence Thomas.

Without hope, I wondered if the notoriously tight-lipped Thomas
had prepared a lot of questions for the day's arguments. (Spoiler: He hadn't.)

Back outside, a moderate pack of protesters had assembled out
front.

The two cases examine whether for-profit corporations enjoy the
First Amendment protection of free religion, and whether they can
seek an exemption from the Affordable Care Act's requirement to
provide access to certain kinds of birth control.

So it was no surprise that many were preaching the gospel of
unshackled religious freedom…

And others the liberating message of free contraception for
all…

And at least one small group took on the health care law
itself.

But during oral arguments, Solicitor General Donald Verrilli Jr.
wasn't having any of that.

Justice Anthony M. Kennedy asked
whether the court should examine the constitutionality of the
underlying law.

"Well, I think it has been examined, Your Honor, is my
recollection," Verrilli responded. (We checked. He was right! You may recall some goings on at the court involving a different mandate exactly two years ago.)

As I scurried out of the courthouse to try to make my deadline,
I noticed that not only had more snow accumulated, but also more
protesters.

Moving passed the frozen crowd, I heard one women yelling that
she was giving away sweatshirts made by her daughter "with crafts
from our local Hobby Lobby store!"

The cheers quickly evaporated as the homemade goodies—and any
chance of getting warmer—quickly ran out.

All Bloomberg BNA treatises are available on standing order, which ensures you will always receive the most current edition of the book or supplement of the title you have ordered from Bloomberg BNA’s book division. As soon as a new supplement or edition is published (usually annually) for a title you’ve previously purchased and requested to be placed on standing order, we’ll ship it to you to review for 30 days without any obligation. During this period, you can either (a) honor the invoice and receive a 5% discount (in addition to any other discounts you may qualify for) off the then-current price of the update, plus shipping and handling or (b) return the book(s), in which case, your invoice will be cancelled upon receipt of the book(s). Call us for a prepaid UPS label for your return. It’s as simple and easy as that. Most importantly, standing orders mean you will never have to worry about the timeliness of the information you’re relying on. And, you may discontinue standing orders at any time by contacting us at 1.800.960.1220 or by sending an email to books@bna.com.

Put me on standing order at a 5% discount off list price of all future updates, in addition to any other discounts I may quality for. (Returnable within 30 days.)

Notify me when updates are available (No standing order will be created).

This Bloomberg BNA report is available on standing order, which ensures you will all receive the latest edition. This report is updated annually and we will send you the latest edition once it has been published. By signing up for standing order you will never have to worry about the timeliness of the information you need. And, you may discontinue standing orders at any time by contacting us at 1.800.372.1033, option 5, or by sending us an email to research@bna.com.

Put me on standing order

Notify me when new releases are available (no standing order will be created)